Bridge on River Kwai

We visited the site of Bridge on River Kwai on 13-July-2018. This place has been made famous by the movie of the same name made by Mr. David Lean. This is the actual site in history of the events during World War II in the movie; though the movie was shot in Sri Lanka.

We had been here before as well in 1998. However, it was very good to be back for another trip to this location.

The locals refer to this place as Death Railways. In fact the road sign refer to this place as Death Railways. So, while driving to this site, one must look for Death Railways. We reached Kanchanaburi from Bangkok driving through Nakhon Pathom. We stopped at McDonalds in Kanchanaburi on the main road. From there we reached the War Cemetery which is also on the main road. From the War Cemetery, we took a right turn to enter a village. Then we followed Google Map through the narrow road of the village. It took us about 25 minutes from War Cemetery to reach the Bridge on River Kwai.

Road Map from Kanchanaburi City To Death Railways

From this route, we reached the opposite side of the Death Railways. On the main side, which is on the other bank of the River Kwai, has a lot of shop and the main Railway Station. However, this side has a lot of parking place. Also, it is easy to get to the Death Railways by climbing up the stairs. There are more than 5 such stair cases on this side.

Stairs to climb on to the Death RailwaysThere is lots of space to park Cars on the opposite side. You can see me next to our parked car

The bridge present today is not the original one built during the Japanese invasion time. However, as per the movie the original bridge built by the British was destroyed. Also, that bridge was made of Wood. The current bridge is a Steel and Iron structure.

Sitting Area on the opposite sideShops, Restaurant and Utility Stores on the opposite side

On the opposite side. There are Iron Plates between the tracks all along the tracks on the BridgeThe entrance to a Resort on the Opposite Side

The tracks are that of a Narrow Gauge. So, to walk on the bridge, all the people need to maintain a single file.

On the Tracks on the Death Railways. The River below is River Kwai

There are lots of Boat Houses on the River Kwai. One can stay on the Boat Houses overnight. We had stayed on such a Boat House during our visit in 1998. They even took us on a cruise of the River Kwai for more than 2 hours. The Boat Houses are very comfortable equipped with comfortable beds, western toilets, etc. However, there are no Air Conditioners on these Boat Houses. Normally, this is not required during the nights. However, this can be a requirement during the day times. We had taken to swimming in the River to beat the heat.

Boat HouseThere are number of viewing spots on the bridge. There is the Floating Restaurant in the backgroundFloating Restaurant. One can see the entrance to the RestaurantIn the center of the Bridge on River Kwai

On the main side is the Station. Also, there are lots of shops next to the Station. There are a lots of Hotels here as well. We could also find well maintained Toilets next to the Station.

The Bridge on River Kwai StationHotels next to the Station

There is a huge Buddha Statue on the opposite side of the Station. Around the Buddha Statue, there are beautiful buildings housing the living places for the Monks.

Buddha Statue in the backgroundClose Up of the Buddha StatueDragons next to Buddha StatueDeepshree clicked our Selfie on the BridgeAnother click by Deepshree